Sharif told the United Nations General Assembly on September 21 that Pakistan cannot ignore India's "unprecedented" weapons build-up and will "take whatever measures are necessary to maintain credible deterrence."

He also warned world powers that it would be a mistake to ignore the "dangers of rising tensions" between India and Pakistan

Sharif also strongly criticized what he called India's suppression of protests in the disputed Kashmir region and called for an independent investigation into extrajudicial killings and what he called "brutalities."

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed Himalayan territory in its entirety and have fought two wars over it.

Tensions between the two nuclear powers have intensified since Indian security forces killed a popular Kashmir rebel commander on July 8.

At least 80 people have been killed in subsequent protests.

India accuses Pakistan of supporting the separatist fighters in the Indian-held part of Kashmir.